If you find yourself involved in a serious auto collision, you will likely get caught in a mess of insurance issues, medical bills, and lost earnings, to say nothing of your health complications. Amidst all of the chaos and growing to-do list from your accident, it is helpful to know where to start. To help lift some of that initial tension, we have put together a simple, three-part list of steps to take immediately following a collision:
- Call the police. Of course, if you or anyone involved are seriously injured, dial 911 and attend to any injuries. This should always be your first priority. But even if there does not seem to be enough damage to warrant a police report, or you cannot feel any immediate pain, you should still contact the police to obtain a written police report documenting the facts of the collision. Victims of auto collisions often do not develop symptoms until a day or two after the accident, so it is always important to have a record of the collision facts.
- Exchange and document information. You will want to make sure everyone involved has been accounted for. After checking with everyone in your vehicle, be sure to obtain the names, numbers, insurance information, addresses, license plate numbers, and any other relevant information from all drivers and passengers of the other vehicles involved. Take photos of the damage if you are able, and see if there are any witnesses in the area. Be sure to be courteous to all parties, but never apologize, even if you believe you are at fault. Your apology may very well be argued against you later as evidence of your admittance of legal liability.
- Inform your insurance company. Be sure to inform your adjustor of your accident. Call them and simply provide them with the facts of the collision, and the facts alone. Do not speculate, even if asked, and be sure to be truthful in your conversation. If asked to provide a recorded statement, say no.
One final step to take is to consider hiring an attorney to help navigate the financial recovery of your case, so that you can focus on your medical recovery. Call 612-465-0320 to schedule a free consultation with one of the experienced personal injury attorneys at Teplinsky Law Group.
